Choosing a baby name is a significant decision for parents, often influenced by trends in pop culture. According to a recent report by BabyCenter, names for newborns in 2026 may be shaped by various entertainment phenomena from 2025, including television shows, music, sports achievements, and notable figures.
Television and Streaming Trends
Several names featured in popular television series have begun to rise in popularity. For instance, the Apple TV series “Severance” has brought the name Helena into the spotlight, with its ranking climbing to No. 313 among girl names. Additionally, names from the HBO Max series “The Pitt” — including Samira, Heather, and Cassie — are gaining traction. Notably, Cassie has not been among the top 1,000 baby names for girls in the U.S. since 2009, according to Social Security data.
Names from other shows, such as “White Lotus,” are also expected to trend upward. BabyCenter predicts that Belinda and Chelsea for girls, along with Valentin and Fabian for boys, could see increased popularity. Belinda, in particular, has not ranked among the top 1,000 names since 2013.
Musical Influences and Sports Stars
The music industry is another significant source of inspiration for baby names. BabyCenter reports that names of prominent boy band members are trending. This includes Howie and Nick from the Backstreet Boys, as well as Lance and Joey from NSYNC. K-pop stars such as Jin from BTS and Jun from Seventeen may also influence naming choices.
In addition to music, names from the recent album “Cowboy Carter” by Beyoncé have surged in popularity. Names like Rose and Jane, inspired by a song title and a lyric, have seen notable increases. Other names gaining traction include Miley, associated with Miley Cyrus, and Willie, referencing both Willie Nelson and Willie Jones.
Athletic achievements are also impacting naming trends. Following the Oklahoma City Thunder’s recent NBA Finals victory, names such as Jaylin, Dillon, Jalen, and Isaiah have become increasingly popular for boys. In the WNBA, names like Courtney, Kelsey, Natasha, and Erica are climbing the BabyCenter charts.
Literary and Cultural References
Literary names are experiencing a resurgence, with parents looking to authors such as Ernest, Ishmael, Sylvia, and Octavia for inspiration. Character names like Sawyer, Finn, and Daisy are also capturing attention. Furthermore, the viral cottagecore aesthetic is expected to bolster names like Sienna, Eloise, and Flora.
Following the death of Pope Francis in April, there has been a noticeable increase in parents choosing names related to his own. Variations such as Francis, Francesco, Frankie, and Francesca have gained popularity.
As for the current landscape of baby names, BabyCenter’s report indicates that the top names for boys in 2025 remain relatively unchanged from previous years. The five most popular names are Noah, Liam, Oliver, Elijah, and Mateo. For girls, Olivia, Amelia, Sophia, Emma, and Isabella continue to lead the list.
The influence of pop culture on baby names reflects broader societal trends and the values parents wish to impart on their children. As the world of entertainment continues to evolve, so too will the names that are chosen for the next generation.
